Kategorie: Crypto Markets

• From October 31, 2025, Bybit will not be accepting new user sign-ups in Japan.
• Japan’s FSA plans to classify crypto assets as financial products.
• Japan is weighing allowing banks to hold and trade cryptocurrencies.

Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is suspending new user registrations in Japan starting October 31, 2025.

The move comes as the country’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) prepares to implement tighter regulations that could reclassify crypto assets as financial products.

The exchange said the suspension is part of its “proactive approach” to align with Japan’s evolving legal framework.

Bybit pauses onboarding of new Japanese users.

Beginning at 12 p.m. UTC on October 31, Bybit will halt the creation of new accounts for Japanese residents and nationals.

Existing users, however, will continue to have full access to all services for the time being.

In a statement, Bybit said it remains committed to operating “responsibly and in compliance with local laws and regulatory expectations.”

The company added that the pause will allow it to focus on reviewing local requirements and determining how to meet the new standards being drafted by the FSA.

This announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of global exchanges by Japanese regulators, who have been tightening oversight to protect investors and ensure transparency.

FSA prepares sweeping crypto reforms

Japan’s Financial Services Agency is preparing sweeping changes that could reshape how crypto is regulated in the country.

Japan’s crypto market has grown rapidly, with more than 12 million registered accounts as of early 2025.

Despite this growth, the FSA remains cautious about retail investor exposure.

About 80% of domestic accounts hold less than ¥100,000 ($670), raising concerns about the risks faced by small investors relying on limited information.

In August, the FSA established a new “Crypto Assets and Innovation Division” to monitor the fast-evolving industry while promoting responsible innovation.

The FSA now plans to amend the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA) in 2026, reclassifying cryptocurrencies from a “means of settlement” to “financial products.”

This shift would give regulators greater power to investigate and penalise insider trading and market manipulation in the crypto market.

A working group within the FSA is also drafting Japan’s first legal definition of insider trading in crypto, which could soon make it a punishable offence.

These developments mark a decisive step toward aligning Japan’s crypto oversight with that of its traditional securities markets.

At the same time, the FSA is considering allowing banks to hold cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin for investment purposes.

If approved, this would reverse a 2020 restriction and open the door for banks to participate in crypto trading and custody services under strict risk and capital requirements.

A challenging year for Bybit

Bybit’s suspension in Japan follows what has been one of the company’s most turbulent years.

In February 2025, the exchange suffered a $1.5 billion hack, one of the largest in the industry’s history, reportedly linked to North Korea’s Lazarus Group.

In the aftermath, Bybit intensified its compliance efforts, introducing monthly proof-of-reserve reports and expanding third-party audits to reassure users and regulators.

Independent auditor Hacken later confirmed that Bybit’s reserve ratio remained above 100% following the incident, easing customer concerns.

The exchange’s heightened transparency and regulatory cooperation mirror Japan’s broader expectations for crypto firms.

Bybit’s approach aligns with the FSA’s emphasis on accountability, financial soundness, and investor protection.

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• The Financial Services Authority is enforcing AML compliance for stablecoin traders.
• Indonesia ranks seventh in the 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index.
• The government is exploring Bitcoin as a potential reserve asset.

Bank Indonesia (BI) is advancing plans to introduce a blockchain-based financial instrument described as the country’s “national stablecoin version,” a digital currency backed by government bonds.

The initiative was unveiled by BI Governor Perry Warjiyo at the Indonesia Digital Finance and Economy Festival and Fintech Summit 2025 in Jakarta.

It reflects Indonesia’s effort to integrate blockchain technology into its monetary system through tokenised securities tied to the digital rupiah. The announcement was first reported by CNBC Indonesia.

The central bank said the new digital assets will take the form of tokenised government securities backed by the central bank’s planned digital rupiah, Indonesia’s central bank digital currency (CBDC).

The project is designed to blend monetary innovation with national financial stability, positioning Indonesia among a handful of emerging economies developing bond-backed digital assets.

Digital rupiah to underpin Indonesia’s national stablecoin

According to Warjiyo, the bank will issue digital versions of its securities, referred to as Bank Indonesia securities in digital form, which will operate as blockchain-based representations of sovereign bond holdings.

These digital securities will be backed by the digital rupiah, making them the foundation of what the central bank describes as Indonesia’s national stablecoin.

He explained that the stablecoin structure would rely on government bonds, or Surat Berharga Negara (SBN), as its underlying collateral, ensuring that its value remains tied to official assets rather than speculative cryptocurrencies.

The initiative marks a step towards tokenising the country’s debt market, creating an ecosystem where digital securities, stablecoins, and the central bank digital currency coexist.

Warjiyo said the plan reflects BI’s broader digital finance strategy aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and liquidity across financial markets.

If successful, it could reshape how monetary authorities interact with blockchain infrastructure in Southeast Asia.

Blockchain integration into Indonesia’s monetary system

The introduction of the bond-backed digital rupiah is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s transition towards a blockchain-integrated economy.

While stablecoins are not currently recognised as legal tender, their use in payments and remittances has increased, prompting regulatory attention from Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority, known as the OJK.

Dino Milano Siregar, who leads the OJK’s crypto and digital asset division, said the agency enforces anti-money laundering (AML) compliance and requires periodic reporting from stablecoin traders.

The OJK’s supervision reflects growing awareness of the potential systemic role of digital assets, even without formal recognition as payment instruments.

Siregar added that stablecoins are already being used as hedging tools, especially those backed by credible assets such as government bonds or reserve currencies.

Their comparatively lower volatility makes them appealing for remittance transactions and cross-border settlements.

This practical use case aligns with BI’s ambition to institutionalise a regulated form of stable value exchange through the digital rupiah.

Indonesia among global leaders in crypto adoption

Indonesia’s rapid shift towards digital finance is underpinned by strong adoption trends. The country ranks seventh in the 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index published by Chainalysis.

It placed ninth in retail activity, seventh in value received through centralised exchanges, and fourth in decentralised finance (DeFi) transactions.

These figures highlight Indonesia’s growing role in global digital asset markets.

In August, local advocacy group Bitcoin Indonesia reported that government officials were exploring Bitcoin as a potential reserve asset, with discussions centred on how such holdings could diversify national reserves and stimulate economic growth.

If Indonesia proceeds with its stablecoin framework alongside its digital rupiah and potential Bitcoin reserve diversification, it could emerge as a major blockchain hub in Asia.

The combination of regulatory oversight, tokenised government debt, and CBDC integration places Indonesia among countries like China and Singapore that are redefining the future of sovereign-backed digital assets.

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• Thopen plans to use surplus solar energy for Bitcoin mining.
• The move could cut curtailment losses and boost grid stability.
• Brazil may emerge as a leader in sustainable crypto mining.

Brazilian solar energy firm Thopen is considering a bold new move to address one of the country’s most pressing renewable energy challenges of excess electricity generation.

The company plans to explore Bitcoin mining as a way to convert surplus solar energy into a profitable and sustainable business model.

Turning surplus energy into digital gold

Brazil’s rapid expansion of solar and wind power has brought both opportunities and challenges.

While the country now generates abundant clean energy, transmission bottlenecks and limited local demand have resulted in an oversupply in several regions.

This surplus often leads to energy curtailment, where producers are forced to reduce output, causing financial losses.

Thopen’s CEO, Gustavo Ribeiro, has acknowledged this growing concern and revealed that the company is studying ways to transform the problem into an advantage.

During an interview with BN Americas, Ribeiro explained that Thopen is considering setting up Bitcoin mining operations and data centers near its energy generation sites.

The goal, Ribeiro said, is to “convert energy into capital” — a strategy that could help absorb excess electricity, stabilize local supply, and ensure that renewable power is not wasted.

A breakthrough for Brazil’s renewable energy sector

The proposal comes at a time when Brazil’s renewable energy industry is facing limits on the amount of solar power it can feed into the grid.

By channeling surplus electricity into Bitcoin mining, Thopen aims to reduce curtailment losses and create a steady revenue stream.

Analysts note that this integration of renewable energy and digital mining could offer a flexible, scalable solution for the nation’s energy sector.

Similar models are emerging across the globe.

In the United Kingdom, Union Jack Oil has begun converting excess natural gas into electricity to power Bitcoin mining operations.

In Canada, AgriFORCE Growing Systems announced plans to use stranded gas to run mining rigs.

Thopen’s venture could position Brazil as the next country to merge clean energy with crypto mining on a large scale, showcasing an innovative way to monetize renewable resources.

Sustainable Bitcoin mining and grid stability

One of the most promising aspects of Thopen’s strategy is its potential to improve both environmental and economic outcomes.

Using surplus renewable power for Bitcoin mining eliminates the need for fossil fuel-based energy, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the process.

It also provides solar farms with a new income source, turning what would otherwise be wasted electricity into a productive asset.

Experts say this model can also enhance grid stability.

When power generation exceeds demand, mining operations can consume the surplus, balancing the system and preventing instability.

During low-output periods, operations can scale down, allowing electricity to flow back to the grid when it is needed most.

This flexibility makes Bitcoin mining an ideal companion to variable renewable sources like solar and wind.

The challenges and opportunities ahead

Despite its potential, Thopen’s plan is not without obstacles.

Brazil’s regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and energy integration remains under development.

Companies venturing into this space must navigate evolving policies, infrastructure demands, and the volatility of the crypto market.

However, industry observers believe that the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Ribeiro’s vision aligns with Brazil’s broader renewable energy goals — promoting efficiency, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.

If successful, Thopen’s approach could reshape how nations handle renewable energy surpluses, offering a model that is both profitable and environmentally sound.

The post Brazil’s solar energy company, Thopen, exploring Bitcoin mining appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Ondo Global Markets launches on BNB Chain, enabling 24/7 access to over 100 tokenized US stocks and ETFs.
• Integration of BNB Chain is part of Ondo’s expansion and boosts tokenized equities.
• The platform is live on Ethereum and will expand to other chains.

Decentralized finance platform and tokenized real-world asset issuer Ondo Finance is expanding its tokenized securities platform to BNB Chain.

According to the press release, the move is a key milestone for both Ondo Finance and BNB Chain.

For the latter, an increasingly huge player in the decentralized finance and real-world assets tokenization space, it means growth into a sector currently seeing great traction. 

Integration comes as top asset managers and other financial markets providers tap into the blockchain for fresh traction of their products, including tokenized stocks, private credit and US Treasuries.

What Ondo Global Markets’ launch on BNB Chain means

Ondo Finance announced its expansion on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

The move sees the RWA market platform bring its institutional-grade tokenized equities and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to millions of users worldwide via BNB Chain. 

Nathan Allman, founder and CEO of Ondo Finance, commented:

“BNB Chain is home to one of the largest and most engaged global user bases in Web3. Expanding Ondo Global Markets to BNB Chain allows us to bring tokenized US stocks and ETFs to millions of users across Asia, Latin America, and other geographies, in an environment that is fast, cost-efficient, and highly interoperable. This is a major step toward making US markets globally accessible through blockchain technology.”

In particular, Ondo is helping to unlock 24/7 access to over 100 tokenized US stocks and ETFs for over 3.4 million daily active users, with BNB Chain having a notably strong presence in Asia and Latin America.  

“The integration provides BNB Chain — with its 3.4 million daily active users and expansive DeFi ecosystem — access to over 100 tokenized US stocks and ETFs, supported by leading ecosystem projects such as PancakeSwap,” Ondo wrote in its blog post.

Launched on Ethereum in September 2025, Ondo Global Markets has rapidly scaled to $350 million in total value locked (TVL).

The platform has so far generated over $669 million in onchain volume.

The platform enables non-US investors to gain seamless exposure to blue-chip assets like Apple, Tesla, Nvidia, and S&P 500 ETFs, backed by securities held at US-registered broker-dealers.

For BNB Chain users

Key features include blockchain-based settlement, fractional ownership for affordability, and deep liquidity sourced directly from traditional exchanges.

Users can redeem tokens up to $1 million per transaction with near-real-time pricing via Chainlink oracles.

Integration with BNB Chain ecosystem projects like PancakeSwap enhances accessibility, allowing seamless trading via familiar wallets without KYC hurdles for many users.

BNB Chain’s head of business development, Sarah Song, also commented on the deployment. 

“Real-world assets are one of the fastest-growing segments on BNB Chain, and having Ondo Finance join our ecosystem is another strong validation of that momentum,” Song noted. “Together, we’re expanding access to high-quality financial assets and driving the next wave of adoption that connects traditional markets with blockchain technology.”

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